Information processing apparatus and computer readable medium

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes: an image pickup unit, a recognition unit and an execution unit. The image pickup unit photographs a recording medium to generate a picked-up image. The recognition unit recognizes a handwritten mark in the picked-up image generated by the image pickup unit. The execution unit performs a predetermined process according to the handwritten mark recognized by the recognized unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Division of application Ser. No. 13/938,455 filedon Jul. 10, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under35 USC 119 of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2012-163526 filed on Jul.24, 2012 and No. 2012-165318 filed on Jul. 26, 2012, the entiredisclosure of which, including the descriptions, claims, drawings, andabstracts, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus anda computer readable medium.

2. Background Art

These days, at a meeting or a presentation, explanation is often madewith a material displayed on a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet-typeterminal. In such a situation, an attendee takes a note on a notebook,for example, about the point of the explanation or his/her comments onthe explanation while seeing the displayed material.

Later, the attendee may forget which note he/she took while which pageof the material he/she was seeing. Then, there has been proposed, forexample, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.2010-176603, a meeting material search support apparatus to, in responseto a slide of a material being switched to another thereof displayed ata meeting, extract a difference between a picked-up image of a notepicked up at a display starting time of the slide and a picked-up imageof the note picked up at the display switching time of the slide toanother, generate deference information including region image data ofthe difference and the picked-up image picked up at the displayswitching time and correlate and register a slide ID with the differenceinformation.

By the way, in accordance with digitalization of paper documents, a notehas been not only stored on a notebook but also as image data by beingphotographed. Such a case has increased. However, if the contents of anote recorded on a notebook are stored as image data as they are, it isdifficult to understand the contents and to find what is written where,when seeing the photographed note later.

Further, if an attendee thinks of sharing the contents of a note withmembers of his/her group while taking the note, the attendee needs toperform a complex operation such as uploading the picked-up image of thenote onto a common storage after the note is photographed. In addition,the attendee may forget to perform the operation itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects of the present invention include effectively using the contentsrecorded on a recording medium.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan information processing apparatus including: an image pickup unitwhich photographs a recording medium to generate a picked-up image; arecognition unit which recognizes a handwritten mark in the picked-upimage generated by the image pickup unit; and an execution unit whichperforms a predetermined process according to the handwritten markrecognized by the recognition unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda non-transitory computer readable medium in which a program to make acomputer perform a procedure is stored, the procedure including:photographing a recording medium to generate a picked-up image;recognizing a handwritten mark in the generated picked-up image; andperforming a predetermined process according to the recognizedhandwritten mark.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan information processing apparatus including: an image pickup unitwhich photographs a recording medium to generate a picked-up image; arecognition unit which recognizes identification information existing inan area of the picked-up image generated by the image pickup unit; and amailing unit which sends a mail including the generated picked-up imageto a destination corresponding to an instruction content of theidentification information recognized by the recognition unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda non-transitory computer readable medium in which a program to make acomputer perform a procedure is stored, the procedure including:photographing a recording medium to generate a picked-up image;recognizing identification information existing in an area of thegenerated picked-up image; and sending a mail including the generatedpicked-up image to a destination corresponding to an instruction contentof the recognized identification information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of aninformation processing apparatus in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which a binder (case) including a first cover(first case) and a second cover (second case) is being closed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of theinformation processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of a categorization-usemark correspondence table.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of a command markcorrespondence table.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of a picked-up imagedatabase.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the data structure of a category list.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a mark recognition process.

FIG. 9 is an example of a picked-up image obtained by photographing arecording medium on which handwritten characters and handwritten marksare recorded.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a search by tag process.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a search screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a list display process.

FIG. 13 shows examples of an idea list screen, a decided-matter listscreen and a thing-to-do list screen.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an automatic submission process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a clipping process.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a picked-up image obtained by photographinga recording medium on which a “Clipping” mark is recorded.

FIG. 17A shows a state in which an information processing apparatus inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is housedin a body cover.

FIG. 17B is a lateral view showing a state in which the informationprocessing apparatus stands against the body cover.

FIG. 17C is a perspective view showing a state in which the informationprocessing apparatus stands against the body cover.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which a recording medium is placed in front ofthe information processing apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a mailing by command process performed by aninformation processing apparatus in accordance with a third embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 20A and 20B each show an example of a handwritten note with a“Mailing” mark, wherein FIG. 20A shows an example of a handwritten noteincluding a handwritten “Mailing” mark in the shape of “V” in arectangle recorded on a recording medium, and FIG. 205 shows an exampleof a handwritten note recorded on a recording medium on which atwo-dimensional barcode “Mailing” mark is printed.

FIG. 21 shows a correspondence between kinds of the “Mailing” mark anddestination addresses registered in advance through a mail program.

FIGS. 22A and 22B each show a scheduler display screen, wherein FIG. 22Ashows a calendar display 411, and FIG. 22B shows an event (schedule)display 412.

FIG. 23 shows the data structure stored in a storage unit functioning asa second storage unit in a scheduler.

FIG. 24 is an illustration for explaining region specifications for the“Mailing” mark.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[First Embodiment]

First, an information processing apparatus in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS.1 to 16. Note that the present invention is not limited to theillustrated embodiments described hereinafter.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of aninformation processing apparatus 1 in accordance with the firstembodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 is a tablet-typeterminal apparatus and includes a body unit 10 and a binder 30 as acase.

The body unit 10 includes a touch display unit 14 for screen display andtouch input and an image pickup unit 15 as an image pickup unit.

The binder 30 includes a first cover 30 a as a first case and a secondcover 30 b as a second case. The first cover 30 a and the second cover30 b are connected to each other through a hinge part 30 c as a rotatingshaft so that the binder 30 is closeable (or openable). In other words,the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b can be close to (or awayfrom) each other in a state in which the first cover 30 a and the secondcover 30 b are connected to each other through the hinge part 30 c.

On the first cover 30 a, a recording medium 40 is disposed, and thesecond cover 30 b is provided with the body unit 10. Each of the bodyunit 10 and the recording medium 40 is attached to the binder 30 througha latch, a hook or the like in such a way as to be detachable therefrom.

In the embodiment, the recording medium 40 is a medium where informationto be photographed is recorded, namely, a subject where information isrecorded. Examples of the recording medium 40 include electronic paperwhich can electronically display information.

The first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b are each in the shape ofa rectangular flat plate, and the binder 30 is closeable/openablethrough the hinge part 30 c as if a book or a notebook is opened/closed.FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first cover 30 a and the second cover30 b form an angle of 180° (open state). In this state, a user refers toa screen displayed on the touch display unit 14, performs touch inputthereon and writes down characters, figures and the like on therecording medium 40.

The hinge part 30 c is provided with an open-close angle sensor 20 todetect an angle formed by the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30b. The open-close angle sensor 20 is constituted of a rotary encoder todetect rotation of the rotating shaft of the hinge part 30 c or amagnetic sensor to detect an open-close state of the binder 30 by usinga hall element or the like.

The recording medium 40 is a notebook or a writing pad which a user usesto take a note, paper on which a material (document) is printed, a bookor the like. As long as the recording medium 40 is a recording medium onwhich information to be photographed is recorded, the raw material(type) of the recording medium 40 is not limited to paper. The recordingmedium 40 may be one sheet of paper or a plurality of sheets (pages)bound in a form of a book.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the binder 30 including the first cover 30a and the second cover 30 b is being closed. The image pickup unit 15 isdisposed at a point of the body unit 10 so as to face the first cover 30a. When the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b form apredetermined angle (for example, 70°), the image pickup unit 15photographs the recording medium 40. The predetermined angle is presetto an optimum angle for photographing the recording medium 40 (optimumangle for photography), and photography conditions of a focus, anexposure and the like are set to be suitable for the angle. While a useris closing the binder 30 (making an angle formed by the first cover 30 aand the second cover 30 b 0°), the angle formed by the first cover 30 aand the second angle 30 b passes through the predetermined angle. Hence,a user can photograph the recording medium 40 without noticing it.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of theinformation processing apparatus 1.

The information processing apparatus 1 includes: a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 11 as a recognition unit, an execution unit, adetection unit, a photography control unit, a management unit, a cut-outunit, a storage control unit, a display control unit, a reading unit, acommand execution unit and a sending control unit; a power supply unit12; an operation unit 13; the touch display unit 14; the image pickupunit 15; a wireless communication unit 16; a RAM (Random Access Memory)17; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18; a storage unit 19; the open-close anglesensor 20; and a timer unit 21.

The CPU 11 integrally controls process operations of the units and thelike (components) of the information processing apparatus 1 in responseto operation signals inputted from the operation unit 13 or the touchdisplay unit 14 or instruction signals received by the wirelesscommunication unit 16. More specifically, the CPU 11 reads variousprocess programs stored in the ROM 18 to open the programs in the RAM 17and performs various processes in coordination with the programs.

The power supply unit 12 supplies power to the components of theinformation processing apparatus 1.

The operation unit 13 includes operation keys such as a power key toturn on/off power and outputs operation signals corresponding to theoperation keys to the CPU 11.

The touch display unit 14 is constituted of a touch panel 14 b disposedon a display panel 14 a as a display unit. The display panel 14 a isconstituted of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like and performsscreen display in response to display control signals outputted from theCPU 11. The touch panel 14 b detects positions of touch operations madeby a figure of a user or the like and outputs operation signalscorresponding to the positions to the CPU 11. The touch panel 14 breceives operation instructions from a user.

The image pickup unit 15 is a digital camera including an optical lens,an image pickup element and various sensors and photographs a subject.The image pickup unit 15 photographs the recording medium 40 to generatea picked-up image (or images).

The wireless communication unit 16 is a wireless communication module toperform data communication by being connected to the Internet via awireless LAN (Local Area Network) router.

The RAM 17 is a volatile memory. In the RAM 17, various programsexecuted by the CPU 11, data related to the programs and the like aretemporarily stored.

The ROM 18 is a read-only semiconductor memory where various programsand various data are stored. In the ROM 18, a mark recognition processprogram 181 and the like are stored.

The storage unit 19 is constituted of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), anonvolatile memory or the like. In the storage unit 19, information isstored in such a way as to be readable and writable. More specifically,in the storage unit 19, a categorization-use mark correspondence table191, a command mark correspondence table 192, a picked-up image database193, category lists 194 a, 194 b, 194 c, . . . and the like are stored.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the categorization-usemark correspondence table 191. FIG. 5 shows an example of the datastructure of the command mark correspondence table 192.

In the categorization-use mark correspondence table 191, with respect toeach of types of handwritten marks (“marks” hereinafter) prepared inadvance for categorizing handwritten marks, an image pattern (template)corresponding to the mark (type) and a category which are correlatedwith each other are stored.

In the command mark correspondence table 192, with respect to each oftypes of handwritten marks (“marks” hereinafter) prepared in advance ascommand marks, an image pattern (template) corresponding to the mark anda command indicated by the mark (type) which are correlated with eachother are stored.

It is preferable that these marks have shapes with which the marks canbe distinguished from other marks or characters so as to be easilyrecognized.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the picked-up imagedatabase 193. In the picked-up image database 193, with respect to eachof picked-up images generated by the recording medium 40 beingphotographed, image data of the picked-up image, a tag (or tags)attached to the picked-up image and a generated date and time which arecorrelated with each other are stored. The image data of a picked-upimage is generated in a data form such as JPEG or TIFF.

FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the category list 194 a, 194 b, 194 cor . . . .

In the category list 194 a, image data of cut-out regions cut out frompicked-up images on which an “Idea” mark (see FIG. 4) is recorded,information (file names, storage locations and the like) on theirrespective original images (picked-up images) from which the cut-outregions are cut out and coordinate data of the cut-out regions in theirrespective picked-up images which are correlated with each other arestored.

In the category list 194 b, image data of cut-out regions cut out frompicked-up images on which an “Decided Matter” mark (see FIG. 4) isrecorded, information (file names, storage locations and the like) ontheir respective original images (picked-up images) from which thecut-out regions are cut out and coordinate data of the cut-out regionsin their respective picked-up images which are correlated with eachother are stored.

In the category list 194 c, image data of cut-out regions cut out frompicked-up images on which an “Thing to Do” mark (see FIG. 4) isrecorded, information (file names, storage locations and the like) ontheir respective original images (picked-up images) from which thecut-out regions are cut out and coordinate data of the cut-out regionsin their respective picked-up images which are correlated with eachother are stored.

That is, the category lists 194 a, 194 b, 194 c, . . . are prepared forthe number of categorization-use marks (types).

In addition, in the storage unit 19, information on a common storagebeing correlated with an “Automatic Submission” mark (see FIG. 5) isstored in advance. The common storage is a destination for picked-upimages in an automatic submission process (see FIG. 14). Also, in thestorage unit 19, information on a common storage being correlated with a“Clipping” mark (see FIG. 5) is stored in advance. The common storage isa destination for cut-out regions in a clipping process (see FIG. 15).The common storages are each a data storage apparatus which can performdata communication with the information processing apparatus 1 by beingconnected to a communication network and allows registered members ofthe common storage to see data stored therein. The destinations (commonstorages) are each specified by a path, a mail address or the like. Withrespect to each command mark, a plurality of destinations may be set.

The open-close angle sensor 20 detects an angle formed by the firstcover 30 a and the second cover 30 b and outputs the detected angle tothe CPU 11.

The timer unit 21 includes a timer circuit (RTC; Real Time Clock) tomeasure a current date and time and outputs the measured current dateand time to the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 detects that the binder 30 is closed to a predetermined stateon the basis of the angle outputted from the open-close angle sensor 20.

The CPU 11 makes the image pickup unit 15 photograph the recordingmedium 40 at the timing when detecting that the binder 30 is closed to apredetermined state.

The CPU 11 searches the whole area of a picked-up image generated by theimage pickup unit 15 for predetermined marks recorded thereon. Morespecifically, the CPU 11 performs an optical mark recognition (OMR)process on image data of the picked-up image to detect predeterminedmarks recorded on the recording medium 40.

For that, first, the CPU 11 performs a binarization process and a noiseremoval process on a picked-up image.

Then, the CPU 11 reads, with respect to each of the marks, a templatecorresponding to a mark from the categorization-use mark correspondencetable 191 or the command mark correspondence table 192 stored in thestorage unit 19 and scans the picked-up image to determine whether ornot the picked-up image has a region matching the template.

Comparison between a mark and a template is performed with a certaintolerable range. A template may be enlarged, reduced, rotated or thelike.

The CPU 11 performs a predetermined process in accordance with the markrecognized by searching the whole area of the picked-up image.

If a recognized mark is a categorization-use mark, the CPU 11 cuts out aregion relevant to the recognized mark from the picked-up image,categorizes the cut-out region on the basis of the type of the mark andstores the cut-out region in the category list 194 a, 194 b, 194 c or .. . .

The CPU 11 lists cut-out regions mark by mark (type by type) anddisplays each list on the display panel 14 a.

If a recognized mark is a command mark, the CPU 11 reads a commandcorrelated with the recognized mark from the command mark correspondencetable 192 stored in the storage unit 19 and performs the read command onthe picked-up image.

If a recognized mark is the “Automatic Submission” mark, which is acommand mark, the CPU 11 makes the wireless communication unit 16 sendthe picked-up image to a predetermined command storage.

If a recognized mark is the “Clipping” mark, which is a command mark,the CPU 11 cuts out a region enclosed by a line from the picked-upimage, the region corresponding to a region enclosed by a line recordedon the recording medium 40, and makes the wireless communication unit 16send the cut-out region to a predetermined command storage.

The CPU 11 attaches a tag (or tags) indicating the type of a markrecognized in a picked-up image to the picked-up image. The CPU 11manages picked-up images tag by tag.

Next, operations of the information processing apparatus 1 aredescribed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a mark recognition process performed by theinformation processing apparatus 1.

This process is realized by a software process performed by the CPU 11working in coordination with the mark recognition program 181 stored inthe ROM 18.

First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing(Step S1).

In the first embodiment, the CPU 11 determines whether or not theopen-close angle is equal to or less than a predetermined angle (70°,for example) on the basis of an angle which is formed by the first cover30 a and the second cover 30 b and outputted from the open-close anglesensor 20. That is, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the binder 30including the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b is closed to apredetermined state. When determining that it is not a predeterminedtiming (Step S1; NO), the CPU 11 repeats Step S1.

On the other hand, when determining that it is a predetermined timing(Step S1; YES), namely, the binder 30 is closed to a predeterminedstate, the CPU 11 controls the image pickup unit 15 so that ahandwritten note recorded on the recording medium 40 is photographed andobtains a picked-up image generated by the image pickup unit 15 (StepS2).

For example, the CPU 11 extracts the region of the recording medium 40from the picked-up image and performs, for example, a process to correcttrapezoidal (keystone) distortion on the extracted region.

In addition, the CPU 11 stores image data of the picked-up image in thepicked-up image database 193 stored in the storage unit 19. Also, theCPU 11 obtains a current date and time from the timer unit 21,correlates and stores the obtained current date and time as a generateddate and time with the image data of the picked-up image in thepicked-up image database 193.

Next, the CPU 11 analyzes the image data of the picked-up image andsearches the whole area of the picked-up image for predetermined marksrecorded therein (Step S3).

More specifically, the CPU 11 refers to the categorization-use markcorrespondence table 191 and the command mark correspondence table 192,which are stored in the storage unit 19, to recognize the marks in thepicked-up image.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an unprocessed mark exists(Step S4).

When determining that an unprocessed mark exists (Step S4; YES), the CPU11 attaches a tag indicating the type of the mark recognized in thepicked-up image to the picked-up image (Step S5).

More specifically, the CPU 11 correlates and stores a tag (an idea, adecided matter, a thing to do, automatic submission, clipping or thelike) corresponding to the mark recorded in the picked-up image withimage data of the picked-up image in the picked-up image database 193.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the mark recognized in thepicked-up image is a command mark (Step S6).

When determining that the recognized mark is not a command mark (StepS6; NO), namely, the recognized mark is a categorization-use mark, theCPU 11 cuts out a region relevant to the mark from the picked-up image(Step S7).

The region relevant to the mark may be a region enclosed by a line nearthe mark or a region sandwiched between blank rows near the mark.

Next, the CPU 11 adds the cut-out region to a list for the type of themark (Step S8).

More specifically, the CPU 11 stores image data of the cut-out region inthe category list 194 a, 194 b, 194 c or . . . for the mark (thecategory list 194 a if the mark is the “Idea” mark). Also, the CPU 11correlates and stores information on the original image (the picked-upimage of one page) of the cut-out region and coordinate data of thecut-out region with the image data of the cut-out region in the categorylist 194 a, 194 b, 194 c or . . . .

When determining that the recognized mark is a command mark (Step S6;YES), the CPU 11 refers to the command mark correspondence table 192stored in the storage unit 19 to read a command correlated with the mark(Step S9) and performs the read command on the picked-up image (StepS10).

After Step S8 or Step S10, the CPU 11 returns to Step S4 to repeat thestep and the following steps.

When determining that all the marks recorded in the picked-up image areprocessed (Step S4; NO), the CPU 11 ends the mark recognition process.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a picked-up image 41 obtained byphotographing the recording medium 40 on which handwritten charactersand handwritten marks are recorded.

A mark M1 in the picked-up image 41 is recorded to categorize a regionA1 enclosed by a line as the “Idea”.

A mark M2 in the picked-up image 41 is recorded to categorize a regionA2 enclosed by a line as the “Idea”.

A mark M3 in the picked-up image 41 is recorded to categorize a regionA3 enclosed by a line as the “Decided Matter”.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, image data of the picked-upimage 41 (of one page), tags “Idea” and “Thing to Do” and a generateddate and time of the picked-up image 41 being correlated with each otherare stored in the picked-up image database 193.

In the category list 194 a, which is for the “Idea”, image data of theregion A1 is stored in the “Cut-out Region”, information on thepicked-up image 41 is stored in the “Original Image”, and coordinatedata of the region A1 in the picked-up image 41 is stored in the “RegionCoordinate Data” in such a way that the information on the picked-upimage 41 and the coordinate data of the region A1 are correlated withthe image data of the region A1.

Similarly, in the category list 194 a, which is for the “Idea”, imagedata of the region A2 is stored in the “Cut-out Region”, information onthe picked-up image 41 is stored in the “Original Image”, and coordinatedata of the region A2 in the picked-up image 41 is stored in the “RegionCoordinate Data” in such a way that the information on the picked-upimage 41 and the coordinate data of the region A2 are correlated withthe image data of the region A2.

In addition, in the category list 194 b, which is for the “DecidedMatter”, image data of the region A3 is stored in the “Cut-out Region”,information on the picked-up image 41 is stored in the “Original Image”,and coordinate data of the region A3 in the picked-up image 41 is storedin the “Region Coordinate Data” in such a way that the information onthe picked-up image 41 and the coordinate data of the region A3 arecorrelated with the image data of the region A3.

Next, a search by tag process performed by the information processingapparatus 1 is described with reference to FIG. 10.

The search by tag process is an example of processes to manage picked-upimages tag by tag. The tags are attached to picked-up images at Step S5of the mark recognition process.

First, a date and a tag to search for (search conditions) are selectedthrough user operation on the touch panel 14 b (Step S11).

Next, the CPU 11 retrieves image data of picked-up images agreeing withthe selected date and tag on the basis of the “Generated Time and Date”and the “Tag” of the picked-up image database 193 stored in the storageunit 19 (Step S12).

Next, the CPU 11 displays the picked-up images agreeing with the searchconditions on the display panel 14 a on the basis of the retrieved imagedata of the picked-up images (Step S13).

FIG. 11 shows an example of a search screen 141 displayed on the displaypanel 14 a.

For example, when a search button B1 is pressed on the search screen 141in a state in which a date (March 14) is selected in a datespecification section 141 a and a tag (Automatic Submission) is selectedin a tag specification section 14 b, picked-up images each having agenerated date and time of “March 14” and a tag of “AutomaticSubmission” are retrieved from the picked-up image database 193, and theretrieved picked-up images are displayed in search result displaysections 141 c, 141 d and 141 e. In each of the search result displaysections 141 c, 141 d and 141 e, a part of the picked-up image such asthe upper part thereof is displayed.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a picked-up image to bedisplayed is selected through user operation on the touch panel 14 b(Step S14).

When determining that a picked-up image to be displayed is selected(Step S14; YES), the CPU 11 displays the selected picked-up image on thedisplay panel 14 a (Step S15).

For example, when, on the search screen 141 shown in FIG. 11, apicked-up image is selected from among (the parts of) the picked-upimages displayed as search results in the search result display sections141 c, 141 d and 141 e, the whole page (one page) of the selectedpicked-up image is displayed.

On the other hand, when determining that a picked-up image to bedisplayed is not selected (Step S14; NO), the CPU 11 ends the search bytag process.

Next, a list display process performed by the information processingapparatus 1 is described with reference to FIG. 12.

The list display process is a process to list cut-out regions cut outfrom picked-up images mark by mark (type by type) on the basis of thecategory lists 194 a, 194 b, 194 c, . . . stored in the storage unit 19.

First, the CPU 11 obtains image data of cut-out regions included in thecategory list 194 a, 194 b, 194 c or . . . for a categorization-use mark(the “Idea” mark, the “Decided Matter” mark, the “Thing to Do” mark orthe like) (Step S21).

For example, with respect to the “Idea” mark, the CPU 11 obtains imagedata of cut-out regions included in the category list 194 a. The CPU 11stores the obtained image data of the cut-out regions in the RAM 17.

Next, the CPU 11 displays a cut-out region list for thecategorization-use mark on the display panel 14 a on the basis of theobtained image data of the cut-out regions (Step S22).

FIG. 13 shows examples of an idea list screen 142, a decided-matter listscreen 143 and a thing-to-do list screen 144 displayed on the displaypanel 14 a.

The regions A1 and A2 cut out from the picked-up image 41 shown in FIG.9 are displayed in list display sections 142 a and 142 b of the idealist screen 142, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the regions A1 and A2 excluding themarks M1 and M2 which are included in the regions A1 and A2 shown inFIG. 9 are displayed. Instead, the regions A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 9,namely, the cut-out regions including the marks M1 and M2, may bedisplayed. Alternatively, the regions A1 and A2 excluding the marks M1and M2 may be stored as the cut-out regions from the beginning.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a cut-out region to bedisplayed is selected through user operation on the touch panel 14 b(Step S23).

When determining that a cut-out region to be displayed is selected (StepS23; YES), the CPU 11 displays a picked-up image including the selectedcut-out region on the display panel 14 a (Step S24).

More specifically, the CPU 11 refers to the “Original Image” of thecategory list 194 a, 194 b, 194 c or . . . correlated with the selectedcut-out region, thereby identifying the picked-up image including theselected cut-out region.

Then, the CPU 11 reads image data of the identified picked-up image fromthe picked-up image database 193 stored in the storage unit 19 anddisplays the picked-up image on the display panel 14 a on the basis ofthe read image data of the picked-up image.

For example, when, on the idea list screen 142 shown in FIG. 13, acut-out region is selected from among the cut-out regions displayed inthe list display sections 142 a, 142 b, . . . , the whole page (onepage) of the picked-up image, the page including the selected cut-outregion, is displayed.

On the other hand, when determining that a cut-out region to bedisplayed is not selected (Step S23; NO), the CPU 11 ends the listdisplay process.

Next, an automatic submission process performed by the informationprocessing apparatus 1 is described with reference to FIG. 14. Theautomatic submission process is a process performed at Step S10 of themark recognition process when the recognized mark is the command mark(“Automatic Submission” mark) indicating automatic submission.

First, the CPU 11 reads a destination for the “Automatic Submission”mark from the storage unit 19 (Step S31).

Next, the CPU 11 controls the wireless communication unit 16 so that apicked-up image generated by the image pickup unit 15 is sent to apredetermined common storage on the basis of the read destination (StepS32).

Then, the CPU 11 ends the automatic submission process.

The common storage stores therein and manages picked-up images sent fromthe information processing apparatus 1.

After the picked-up images are stored in the common storage, registeredmembers of the common storage can see the picked-up images, which areautomatically submitted.

Next, a clipping process performed by the information process apparatus1 is described with reference to FIG. 15. The clipping process is aprocess performed at Step S10 of the mark recognition process when therecognized mark is the command mark (“Clipping” mark) indicatingclipping.

First, the CPU 11 determines the direction of the recording medium 40 onthe basis of the recognized “Clipping” mark (Step S41).

More specifically, the CPU 11 determines that the upper side of the“Clipping” mark shown in the command mark correspondence table 192 ofFIG. 5 corresponds to the upper side of the recording medium 40.

Next, the CPU 11 cuts out a region relevant to the mark, namely, aregion enclosed by a line near the mark, from the picked-up image (StepS42).

Next, the CPU 11 reads a destination for the “Clipping” mark from thestorage unit 19 (Step S43).

Next, the CPU 11 controls the wireless communication unit 16 so that thecut-out region cut out at Step S42 is sent to a predetermined commonstorage on the basis of the read destination (Step S44)

Then, the CPU 11 ends the clipping process.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a picked-up image 42 obtained byphotographing the recording medium 40 on which the command mark(“Clipping” mark) indicating clipping is recorded.

A mark M4 in the picked-up image 42 is recorded to clip (cut out) aregion A4 enclosed by a line.

Image data of the region A4 cut out from the picked-up image 42 is sentto the predetermined common storage.

The common storage stores therein and manages cut-out regions sent fromthe information processing apparatus 1.

After the cut-out regions are stored in the common storage, registeredmembers of the common storage can see the cut-out regions.

The “Clipping” mark may be printed on the recording medium 40 in advanceinstead of being handwritten thereon.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1of the first embodiment, a predetermined process is performed inaccordance with a mark recognized in a picked-up image. Accordingly, thecontents (note) recoded on the recording medium 40 can be effectivelyused.

Further, the whole area of a picked-up image is searched for apredetermined mark. Accordingly, a user can record a mark anywhere onthe recording medium 40.

Further, a tag indicating the type of a mark recognized in a picked-upimage is attached to the picked-up image. Accordingly, management ofpicked-up images can be easy; for example, search for a picked-up imagecan be performed by using a tag.

Further, when a mark recognized in a picked-up image is acategorization-use mark, a region relevant to the recognized mark can becut out from the picked-up image, and the cut-out region is categorizedbased on the type of the mark so as to be stored in the category list194 a, 194 b, 194 c or . . . stored in the storage unit 19. Accordingly,the contents (note) recorded on the recording medium 40 can beautomatically categorized. Consequently, retrieval of cut-out regionsmark by mark (type by type) and search for a cut-out region by using amark (type) can be easy.

Further, cut-out regions are listed mark by mark (type by type) anddisplayed on the display panel 14 a as lists. Accordingly, the contents(note) recorded on the recording medium 40 can be easily checked mark bymark (type by type).

Further, when a mark recognized in a picked-up image is a command mark,a command correlated with the mark is performed on the picked-up image.Accordingly, a process according to a command can be easily performed ona picked-up image without user's direct instruction.

For example, on the basis of the “Automatic Submission” mark, apicked-up image is sent to a predetermined common storage. Accordingly,user's effort, such as giving an instruction on a submission process orspecifying a destination, is unnecessary.

Also, on the basis of the “Clipping” mark, a region enclosed by a lineis cut out from a picked-up image, and the cut-out region is sent to apredetermined common storage. Accordingly, user's effort, such as givingan instruction on a clipping process or specifying a destination, isunnecessary.

Further, the recording medium 40 is photographed at the timing when thebinder 30, which includes the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30b, being closed to a determined state is detected. Accordingly, therecording medium 40 can be easily photographed.

The detection method of the open-close angle formed by the first cover30 a and the second cover 30 b is not limited to the above describedmethod.

For example, it is possible to attach a symbol to a predetermined pointon the first cover 30 a and detect that the binder 30, which includesthe first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b, is closed to apredetermined state on the basis of the position of the symbol in animage taken by the image pickup unit 15.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide the second cover 30 b with anacceleration sensor inside and detect the direction of gravity with theacceleration sensor to detect the open-close angle formed by the firstcover 30 a and the second cover 30 b.

[Second Embodiment]

Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied isdescribed.

FIG. 17A shows a state in which an information processing apparatus 1Ain accordance with the second embodiment is housed in a body cover 50.FIGS. 17B and 17C each show a state in which the information processingapparatus 1A stands against the body cover 50.

The components of the information processing apparatus 1A same as thoseof the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment aredenoted by the reference numbers same as those in the first embodiment,and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the information processing apparatus 1Astands against the body cover 50, and the recording medium 40 is placedin front of the information processing apparatus 1A.

In the second embodiment, the recording medium 40 is composed of aplurality of pages in a form of a book, and the recording medium 40 isphotographed by the image pickup unit 15 at timings when pages of therecording medium 40 are turned (page-turning operation).

The angle of view and the focus of the image pickup unit 15 are presetto be suitable for the recording medium 40 placed in such away that theupper end of the recording medium 40 and the lower end of theinformation processing apparatus 1A are lined up.

The information processing apparatus 1A is the same as the informationprocessing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except for theinformation processing apparatus 1A not requiring the open-close anglesensor 20 and the binder 30. Hence, description of the components sameas those of the information processing apparatus 1 is omitted by citingFIG. 3. In the following, the components, operations and the likecharacteristic of the second embodiment are described.

The CPU 11 takes in video image data obtained by the image pickup unit15 continuously photographing (shooting) the recording medium 40 andanalyzes the video image data to detect the page-turning operation bywhich pages of the recording medium 40 are turned.

It is assumed that the image data outputted from the image pickup unit15 varying means that a page of the recording medium 40 is being turnedto another page (the next page) thereof or user's finger is moving,namely, the page-turning operation is being performed. The CPU 11 keepstaking in the video image data obtained by the image pickup unit 15continuously photographing the recording medium 40 and, when the imagedata does not vary, determines that the page-turning operation has beenperformed (completed).

The CPU 11 makes the image pickup unit 15 photograph the recordingmedium 40 to obtain image data of an image (still image) at the timingwhen detecting (completion of) the page-turning operation on therecording medium 40.

The mark recognition process performed by the information processingapparatus 1A is the same as that performed by the information processingapparatus 1 of the first embodiment except for the timing when therecording medium 40 is photographed. Hence, description of the samesteps is omitted by citing FIG. 8.

In the second embodiment, the CPU 11 determines whether or not(completion of) the page-turning operation on handwritten notes (therecording medium 40) is detected on the basis of the video image datacontinuously taken in from the image pickup unit 15 (Step S1).

When determining that the page-turning operation is detected (Step S1;YES), the CPU 11 controls the image pickup unit 15 so that a handwrittennote recorded on the recording medium 40 is photographed and obtains anote image (still image/picked-up image) generated by the image pickupunit 15 (Step S2).

Step S3 and the following steps in the second embodiment are the same asthose in the first embodiment, and hence description thereof is omitted.

Also, the search by tag process (see FIG. 10), the list display process(see FIG. 12), the automatic submission process (see FIG. 14) and theclipping process (see FIG. 15) of the second embodiment are the same asthose of the first embodiment, and hence description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1Aof the second embodiment, the recording medium 40 is photographed at thetiming when the page-turning operation is detected. Accordingly, inaddition to the effects obtained by the first embodiment, the recordingmedium 40 can be easily photographed.

The detection method of the page-turning operation is not limited to theabove described method. For example, it is possible to attach apage-identification-use mark for identifying a page to a predeterminedpoint on each page of the recording medium 40 and determine that thepage-turning operation is detected when the page-identification-use markis detected from a predetermined point in an image taken in from theimage pickup unit 15.

The embodiments described above (and below) are examples of aninformation processing apparatus of the present invention. Hence, thepresent invention is not limited to the embodiments. In addition,various modifications can be made regarding the detailed configurationsand operations of the components constituting the information processingapparatus without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the marks recorded on the recording medium 40 are notlimited to the above described examples. Another categorization-use markcan be added to the categorization-use mark correspondence table 191with its category. Also, another command mark can be added to thecommand mark correspondence table 192 with its command.

Further, in each of the automatic submission process (see FIG. 14) andthe clipping process (see FIG. 15) of the embodiments, a destination(common storage) for the mark is read from the storage unit 19, andpicked-up images or cut-out regions are automatically sent to the presetdestination. Alternatively, it is possible that a setting screen to seta destination is displayed before picked-up images or cut-out regionsare sent, and a user selects a destination thereon.

In the above, a ROM is used as a computer readable medium where theprograms to perform the processes are stored. However, this is not alimitation but an example. As another computer readable medium, anonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a portable medium such as aCD-ROM can be used. Further, as a medium to provide data of the programsvia a communication line, a carrier wave can be used.

[Third Embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied isdescribed.

In the third embodiment, in the storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 3, ascheduler program, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) program, animage management program and a mail program are stored.

The scheduler program is a program to manage schedules (time, eventsetc.) and to input, edit and display events, start times and end timesthereof, attendees thereof and the like.

Information including contents of an event, a date and time of theevent, attendees of the event and the like as a schedule is referred toas event information.

The CPU 11, the scheduler program and the storage unit 19 function as ascheduler (management unit).

The OCR program is a program to perform a recognition process byperforming an image process on input image to generate binarized imagedata, collate the image data with pre-stored patterns to identifycharacters (letters, symbols and the like) and output character data.

The CPU 11 and the OCR program function as a recognition unit torecognize identification information existing in the area of a picked-upimage picked up by the image pickup unit 15.

The image management program is a program, for example, to display andmanage image data of note images (picked-up images) picked up by theimage pickup unit 15.

The CPU 11 and the image management program function as an image editingunit to generate sending images (image data thereof), for example, bycutting out regions from images.

The mail program is a program to send note images picked up by the imagepickup unit 15 by email.

The CPU 11 and the mail program function as a mailing unit.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a mailing by command process performed by aninformation processing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment.

In the following, the mailing by command process is described withreference to FIG. 19. This process is performed by the CPU 11 working incoordination with the programs stored in the storage unit 19.

As a prerequisite for the mailing by command process, for example, ahandwritten note is recorded on the recording medium 40 shown in FIG. 1,and then the binder 30 of the information processing apparatus 1 is tobe closed in a state in which the information processing apparatus 1 isin operation. In the mailing by command process, as an optimum angle forphotographing the recording medium 40 (optimum angle for photography),the open-close angle is set to 70°.

More specifically, when the open-close angle sensor 20 detects an angleof 70° (optimum angle for photography) as an angle formed by the firstcover 30 a and the second cover 30 b, the CPU 11 obtains a note imagegenerated by the image pickup unit 15. The photography conditions of afocus, an exposure and the like are set to be suitable for the optimumangle for photography (70°, for example).

When the mailing by command process starts, and the open-close anglesensor 20 detects an angle of about 70° (optimum angle for photography)as an angle formed by the first cover 30 a and the second cover 30 b,the CPU 11 controls the image pickup unit 15 so that a handwritten noteis photographed (Step S51).

That is, at Step S51, the CPU 11 controls the image pickup unit 15 sothat a handwritten note recorded on the recording medium 40 isphotographed while the binder 30 is being closed, namely, at the timingwhen the binder 30 is closed to a predetermined state, and stores a noteimage picked up by the image pickup unit 15 in the RAM 17.

Then, the CPU 11 controls the OCR program to search the area of the noteimage for a command mark (“Mailing” mark) indicating mailing (Step S52).The “Mailing” mark is used as the identification information.

FIGS. 20A and 20B each show an example of a handwritten note with the“Mailing” mark.

FIG. 20A is an example of a handwritten note including a handwritten“Mailing” mark in the shape of “V” in a rectangle recorded on arecording medium 431.

FIG. 20B is an example of a handwritten note recorded on a recordingmedium 432 on which a two-dimensional barcode “Mailing” mark is printed.

In FIG. 20A, a mail address (email address/destination address) ishandwritten near the mark. Alternatively, a destination address may beregistered to the mark in advance through the mail program.

To the mark, one destination address or a plurality of destinationaddresses may be assigned.

As shown in FIG. 20B, the two-dimensional barcode (“Mailing” mark) maybe pre-printed on a recording medium. A handwritten note is recorded ina space of the recording medium on which the two-dimensional barcode isprinted.

FIG. 21 shows a correspondence between kinds of the “Mailing” mark anddestination addresses which are registered in advance through the mailprogram. As shown in FIG. 21, it is possible that a plurality of kindsof the “Mailing” mark is prepared, and a user uses a desired kindthereof.

For example, three kinds of the “Mailing” mark are prepared.

The first kind thereof is a rectangle with V1 inside, and a mail addressof Mr. A is assigned to the mark as a destination address.

The second kind thereof is a rectangle with V2 inside, and a mailaddress of Mr. B is assigned to the mark as a destination address.

The third kind thereof is a rectangle with V3 inside, and a mail addressof Mr. C is assigned to the mark as a destination address.

Alternatively, it is possible that no destination is assigned to any ofthe kinds of the mark in the initial state, and a destination (ordestinations) is assigned to each of the kinds thereof through a settingoperation.

Here, FIG. 19 is referred to again. The CPU 11 determines whether or notthe “Mailing” mark is found (Step S53). When determining that the“Mailing” mark is found (Step S53; YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to StepS54. On the other hand, when determining that the “Mailing” mark is notfound (Step S53; NO), the CPU 11 ends the mailing by command process.

At Step S54, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an effective mailaddress exists near the “Mailing” mark (Step S54).

When determining that an effective mail address exists near the“Mailing” mark (Step S54; YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to Step S57. On theother hand, when determining that an effective mail address does notexist near the “Mailing” mark (Step S54; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds toStep S55.

At Step S55, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a destination addressis registered in advance as shown in FIG. 21 (Step S55). That is, theCPU 11 checks whether or not a destination address is assigned to the“Mailing” mark in advance. When determining that a destination addressis registered (Step S55; YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to Step S57. On theother hand, when determining that a destination address is notregistered (Step S55; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to Step S56.

At Step S56, the CPU 11 obtains a mail address of an attendee (oraddresses of attendees) of an associated event (Step S56). Morespecifically, first, the CPU 11 obtains a current date and time from thetimer unit 21. The current date and time is a date and time when the CPU11 takes Step S56 and a date and time when a handwritten note issubstantially photographed so that a note image is obtained.

Next, the CPU 11 controls the scheduler to search for and retrieve theevent associated (associated event) with the current date and time whenthe handwritten note is substantially photographed.

FIGS. 22A and 22B each show a scheduler display screen displayed by theCPU 11 and the scheduler program. FIG. 22A shows a calendar display 411,and FIG. 22B shows an event (schedule) display 412. On the calendardisplay 411 shown in FIG. 22A, a photography icon 51 and a registrationicon 52 are displayed. The registration icon 52 is displayed on theevent display 412 shown in FIG. 22B too.

A user uses the registration icon 52 to register each individual eventfrom the scheduler display screen shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B.

FIG. 23 shows the data structure stored in the storage unit 19 whichfunctions as a second storage unit in the scheduler as the managementunit. With respect to each event, an ID, an event name, a date and time(a start date and time and an end date and time), an attendee (orattendees) and a mail address (destination address) of the attendee areregistered.

As shown in FIG. 23, the data structure in which a mail address of eachattendee or the like is included in the event information can beadopted. Alternatively, it is possible, in the scheduler, to register amail address (or addresses), for example, as a separate address notebookin the second storage unit and correlate the mail address with theattendee included in the event information.

The associated event is an event having a registered event period(defined by the start time and the end time of the event) in which thecurrent date and time is included.

However, for example, an event such as a meeting may continue after itsscheduled end time or start a little before its scheduled start time. Bysuch situations taken into account, an event can be accepted as theassociated event even if the current date and time or the date and timerecorded in a note image is somewhat before or after the registeredevent period of the event. For example, if there is an event having aregistered event period the end time of which is a little earlier thanthe current date and time or the date and time recorded in a note image,the event is determined as the associated event.

Here, FIG. 19 is referred to again. When retrieving the associatedevent, the CPU 11 correlates and stores image data of the note imagewith the event information in the storage unit 19 which functions as afirst storage unit.

Then, the CPU 11 obtains the mail address of the attendee (or addressesof the attendees) registered to the event.

At Step S57, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a region specificationfor the “Mailing” mark exists (Step S57). When determining that a regionspecification for the “Mailing” mark exists (Step S57; YES), the CPU 11proceeds to Step S58. On the other hand, when determining that a regionspecification for the “Mailing” mark does not exist (Step S57; NO), theCPU 11 proceeds to Step S59.

At Step S58, the CPU 11 controls the image management program togenerate an image of the specified region (cut-out region) cut out fromthe note image (Step S58).

When detecting that a plurality of region specifications for the“Mailing” mark exists at Step S57, the CPU 11 controls the imagemanagement program to generate a plurality of images of the specifiedregions (cut-out regions) cut out from the note image.

FIG. 24 is an illustration for explaining region specifications for the“Mailing” mark.

In the case of FIG. 24, the CPU 11 recognizes regions enclosed byrespective lines in the whole area of the note image 433 as regionsspecified by the region specifications (i.e., lines) for the “Mailing”mark.

The line is, for example, a solid line. It is necessary to impose somerestrictions on a region specification so that an error in itsrecognition can be prevented. That is, the line (region specification)should not overlap with handwritten characters. In addition, the lineshould be a substantially closed line.

At Step S59, the CPU 11 sets the entire note image (whole page) as animage to be sent (sending image) (Step S59).

At Step S60, the CPU 11 attaches the image specified at Step S58 or StepS59 as a sending image to a mail and sends the mail to a predetermineddestination address (Step S60). The destination address is the mailaddress specified at Step S53, S55 or S56.

[Modification]

Next, an information processing apparatus 1A in accordance with amodification of the third embodiment is described by citing FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the information processing apparatus 1Aof the modification stands against the body cover 50, and the recordingmedium 40 is placed in front of the information processing apparatus 1A.

In the modification, the recording medium 40 is composed of a pluralityof pages in a form of a book, and handwritten notes of the recordingmedium 40 are photographed by the image pickup unit 15 at timings whenpages of the recording medium 40 are turned (page-turning operation).

The angle of view and the focus of the image pickup unit 15 are presetto be suitable for the recording medium 40 placed in such a way that theupper end of the recording medium 40 and the lower end of theinformation processing apparatus 1A are lined up.

The information processing apparatus 1A is the same as the informationprocessing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment except for theinformation processing apparatus 1A not requiring the open-close anglesensor 20 and the binder 30. Hence, description of the components sameas those of the information processing apparatus 1 is omitted by citingFIG. 3. In the following, the components, operations and the likecharacteristic of the modification are described.

In the information processing apparatus 1A of the modification, the CPU11 makes the image pickup unit 15 photograph the pages of the recordingmedium 40 to obtain note images (picked-up images), wherebyphotographing the recording medium 40 is completed. Then, the CPU 11sends a mail including the note images to a predetermined destinationaddress corresponding to the “Mailing” mark recorded on the first pageof the recording medium 40.

The “Mailing” mark may be recorded on any page of the recording medium40 such as a page in the middle or the last page of the recording medium40.

Next, photographing handwritten notes is described. When an instructionto start an image pickup mode is inputted through user operation on thetouch panel 14 b, first, the CPU 11 takes in video image data obtainedby the image pickup unit 15 continuously photographing (shooting) therecording medium 40 and analyzes the video image data to detect thepage-turning operation by which pages of the recording medium 40 areturned. It is assumed that the image data outputted from the imagepickup unit 15 varying means that a page of the recording medium 40 isbeing turned to another page (the next page) thereof or user's finger ismoving, namely, the page-turning operation is being performed.

The CPU 11 keeps taking in the video image data obtained by the imagepickup unit 15 continuously photographing the recording medium 40 and,when the image data does not vary, determines that the page-turningoperation has been performed (completed). The CPU 11 makes the imagepickup unit 15 photograph the recording medium 40 to obtain image dataof an image (still image) at the timing when detecting the page-turningoperation on the recording medium 40.

The CPU 11 controls the image pickup unit 15 so that the handwrittennote recorded on the recording medium 40 is photographed and stores thenote image (still image) generated by the image pickup unit 15 in theRAM 17.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an instruction to end theimage pickup mode is inputted through user operation on the touch panel14 b.

When determining that an instruction to end the image pickup mode is notinputted, the CPU 11 continues to detect the page-turning operation, andwhen detecting the page-turning operation, controls the image pickupunit 15 so that the handwritten note recorded on the recording medium 40is photographed and stores the note image generated by the image pickupunit 15 in the RAM 17.

On the other hand, when determining that an instruction to end the imagepickup mode is inputted, the CPU 11 stops photographing the recordingmedium 40.

The method for obtaining a destination address in the modification isthe same as that in the third embodiment.

The “Mailing” mark may be in a form of a two-dimensional barcode, andthe recording medium 40 may be composed of a plurality of pages on eachof which the two-dimensional barcode is printed. In such a case, forexample, an instruction on a destination may be registered in a similarmanner to that shown in FIG. 21 with page numbers; for example, “thispage is the first page, this page is the second page, this page is thethird page, and this page is the last page, and hence this last pageshould be sent to this destination with the first to third pages”. Whenphotographing the recording medium 40 is completed, the pages can besent to the predetermined destination.

As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 of the thirdembodiment includes: the image pickup unit which photographs therecording medium 40 to obtain image data of a handwritten note recordedon the recording medium 40; the recognition unit which recognizes theidentification information (the “Mailing” mark) existing in the area ofan image based on the image data obtained by the image pickup unit; andthe mailing unit which sends a mail including the obtained image data toa destination corresponding to an instruction content of theidentification information recognized by the recognition unit.Accordingly, image data obtained by photographing the recording medium40 can be easily sent to a predetermined destination.

The information processing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment furtherincludes: the binder 30 as a case including (i) the first cover 30 a asthe first case on which the recording medium 40 is disposed and (ii) thesecond cover 30 b as the second case provided with the body unit 10 andconnected with the first cover 30 a through the hinge part 30 c so thatthe binder 30 is closable; and the open-close angle sensor 20 whichdetects that the binder 30 is closed to a predetermined state. The imagepickup unit 15 is disposed at a point of the body unit 10 so as to facethe first cover 30 a and obtains the image data at the timing when theopen-close angle sensor 20 detects that the binder 30 is closed to thepredetermined state.

Accordingly, a handwritten note can be photographed at the timing whenthe binder 30 (case) is being closed, and the image data thereof can beautomatically sent by email.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:an image pickup unit which photographs a recording medium to generate apicked-up image; a recognition unit which recognizes a predeterminedmark in the picked-up image generated by the image pickup unit; and asending control unit which sends the picked-up image to a predetermineddestination when the recognition unit recognizes the predetermined markin the picked-up image, wherein the sending control unit cuts out aregion from the picked-up image, the region corresponding to a regionenclosed by a line recorded on the recording medium, and sends thecut-out region to the predetermined destination.
 2. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a caseincluding: a first case on which the recording medium is disposed; and asecond case provided with a body unit and connected with the first casethrough a hinge part so that the case is closeable; and a detection unitwhich detects that the case is closed to a predetermined state, whereinthe image pickup unit is disposed at a point of the body unit so as toface the first case, and the information processing apparatus furthercomprises a photography control unit which makes the image pickup unitphotograph the recording medium at a timing when the detection unitdetects that the case is closed to the predetermined state.
 3. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thesending control unit reads the destination for the predetermined markand sends the picked-up image to the read destination.
 4. Anon-transitory computer readable medium in which a program to make acomputer perform a procedure is stored, the procedure comprising:recognizing a predetermined mark in a picked-up image generated by animage pickup unit photographing a recording medium; and sending thepicked-up image to a predetermined destination when recognizing thepredetermined mark in the picked-up image, wherein the sending controlunit cuts out a region from the picked-up image, the regioncorresponding to a region enclosed by a line recorded on the recordingmedium, and sends the cut-out region to the predetermined destination.5. An information processing apparatus comprising: an image pickup unitwhich photographs a recording medium to obtain image data; an imagerecognition unit which determines whether or not a mark indicatingmailing is in the obtained image data; and a mailing unit which sends amail including the obtained image data to a predetermined destinationaddress for the mark when the image recognition unit determines that themark is in the obtained image data, wherein a plurality of kinds of themark is prepared, and the destination address is registered in advancefor each of the kinds of the mark, and the mailing unit sends the mailto the destination address registered in advance for each of the kindsof the mark.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim5, further comprising: a case including: a first case on which therecording medium is disposed; and a second case provided with a bodyunit and connected with the first case through a hinge part so that thecase is closeable; and a detection unit which detects that the case isclosed to a predetermined state, wherein the image pickup unit isdisposed at a point of the body unit so as to face the first case andobtains the image data at a timing when the detection unit detects thatthe case is closed to the predetermined state.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: amanagement unit which performs schedule management by registering eventinformation including an associated date and time which is associatedwith an event; a first storage unit in which the image data and theevent information being correlated with each other are stored; and asecond storage unit in which the event information and a destinationaddress being correlated with each other are stored, wherein the mailingunit sends the mail to the destination address correlated with the eventinformation correlated with the image data.
 8. An information processingapparatus comprising: an image pickup unit which photographs a recordingmedium to obtain image data; an image recognition unit which determineswhether or not a mark indicating mailing is in the obtained image data;and a mailing unit which sends a mail including the obtained image datato a predetermined destination address for the mark when the imagerecognition unit determines that the mark is in the obtained image data,wherein when determining that the mark is in the image data, the imagerecognition unit recognizes a region substantially enclosed by a line inthe image data, the information processing apparatus further comprisesan image editing unit which cuts out the substantially enclosed regionfrom the image data to generate sending image data, and the mailing unitsends the mail including the sending image data generated by the imageediting unit to the destination address.
 9. The information processingapparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the image recognition unitdetermines that a plurality of kinds of the mark is in the image data,with respect to each of the kinds of the mark, the image recognitionunit recognizes the region substantially enclosed by the line in theimage data, and the image editing unit cuts out the substantiallyenclosed region from the image data to generate the sending image data.10. A non-transitory computer readable medium in which a program to makea computer perform a procedure is stored, the procedure comprising:photographing a recording medium to obtain image data; determiningwhether or not a mark indicating mailing is in the obtained image data;and sending a mail including the obtained image data to a predetermineddestination address for the mark when determining that the mark is inthe obtained image data, wherein a plurality of kinds of the mark isprepared, and the destination address is registered in advance for eachof the kinds of the mark, and the mailing unit sends the mail to thedestination address registered in advance for each of the kinds of themark.